Baptized Into Christ

Dear Christians, You have every right to be upset that Phil Robertson was suspended for paraphrasing God's Word concerning the sin of homosexuality.  Feel free to voice this opinion and to refrain from supporting A&E in the future. But we need to talk. All over Facebook today I have seen comments about "the gays" and posts demeaning homosexuals.  Let me be clear: homosexual acts are sinful. That being said, homosexuals are sinners for whom Christ died.  We all have sin and each of us has certain sins with which we struggle more than some other people.  Men, can you tell me that you have never struggled with sexual thoughts about a woman who isn't your wife?  Women, can you tell me you've never coveted the relationship that another woman has with her husband? All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Now note that I am not saying that Christians should be silent about homosexuality, but we need to communicate the message in love.  ...

Continuing with the Princess Bride theme... Inigo Montoya: "We need a miracle, it's very important." Miracle Max: "Look, I'm retired. And besides, why would you want someone the king's stinking son fired. I might kill whoever you wanted me to miracle." Inigo Montoya: "He's already dead." Miracle Max: "He is huh, I'll take a look, come on in." Yesterday I wrote about how Scripture tells us that we are not "mostly dead," but by nature we are entirely spiritually dead.  It's important to understand this, because until we understand our absolute helplessness, we will continue to try to make things right with God by our own efforts. But when we realize that we are truly dead, that we are helpless, God has us exactly where He wants us. It is for the helpless, the dead in sin, that Jesus came. But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and l...

Inigo Montoya: "He's dead. He can't talk." Miracle Max: "Whoo-hoo-hoo, look who knows so much. It just so happens that your friend here is only MOSTLY dead. There's a big difference between mostly dead and all dead. Mostly dead is slightly alive. With all dead, well, with all dead there's usually only one thing you can do." Mostly dead, but not all dead. Such is the way in which many churches and pastors view the fallen nature of humanity.  We're born "mostly dead," but not all the way dead.  Many believe that there is a "divine spark" that still exists within humanity.  The Hollywood version of this is Darth Vader having a spark of good still within him that allowed him to turn from "the dark side." Sorry Miracle Max, but when it comes to humanity, mostly dead is a lie. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5) And you were dead in the trespa...